You've probably noticed that this website has had some unplanned downtime lately. I'm not sure about the exact cause, it's probably an intermittent hardware failure as the techs keep finding the main server powered off at the console. I've been rebooting and repairing the database as needed to keep things running, while making plans to transition to brand new servers with updated database, webserver, and firewall software.

The good news is I've already run the migration plan on some of my smaller websites, and it's working brilliantly. The bad news is that the frequency of crashes on the old server seem to be increasing, so I'm going to have to accelerate the transition schedule for all the websites and do a lot of the changes, well, right now. That's what all the downtime today (Jan 4) has been about.

By the time you're reading this, the website will be running off new transactional database servers - which means no more biweekly downtime to do backups, better security, stability, replication support, and better support for new features in the future. This is only the first, but probably the biggest, step in the plan to update the hardware & software platform this website runs on.

Unfortunately due to the emergency database move, I haven't been able to fully test compatibility and scaling. There may be some bugs or slowness to iron out over the next few days. If you encounter a bug or error message, please copy the error message and email me with a description of what you were doing. There's a link to email me (the webmaster) at the bottom of every page.

A little bit of background about me, and this website, as I tend to operate behind the scenes:

This website is part of the AutoShrine Network, a group of 20+ auto enthusiast websites that I've created over the last 10 years that now serves 2.5 million pageviews to 250,000 unique visitors every month and is completely free to access.

I wrote most of the code from scratch (I used to be a software engineer) and I'm the sole owner and operator of the whole operation. You may not know that many car forums on the Internet are owned by two large corporations, both of which have approached me with offers, but I turned them down as I don't believe they would deliver the same kind of quality online club experience for you.

In addition to webmaster duties, coding new features, html/css/javascript design for desktops, tablets, and smartphones, and sysadmin duties like provisioning servers, creating backup plans, security, monitoring, and system upgrades, I also provide personal support to 80,000+ registered members, review edit and publish calendar events, review edit and publish tech articles in the library, manage all the social media pages for each site (80+ feeds), and moderate the forums. That's the short list.

It's often more than a full time job, and I've been on call 24/7 for years, but I'm very happy to provide something that useful to so many people and keeps so many cool old cars (and karts and trucks and scooters) on the road.

I thank all of you for your contributions whether it's posting answers to question or financial support, and I promise to continue to provide access to all features and information on this website, to anyone in the world, without charge. I can provide the platform, but it's YOU that makes this a community.

100% of proceeds go towards operating and improving this website. The new database servers alone cost an additional $300/month.

I've got great plans for new and improved features in 2017, and I'd love to be able to contract out some work - like finishing writing the Help Topics, and catching up on editing tech library articles - so I can focus on the big stuff.

But for the next few months, it's going to be all about finishing the new servers & software platform!

Thank you for this service! I would not have taken on a Herald restoration without knowing that this forum existed. I have also met two people from posting questions who have generously offered their expertise and helped me in countless ways. I consider them very good friends and this would not have been possible without your selfless dedication to this project. Again, thank you.

SkyeYou are a marvel. As we say here in Quebec, 'l'ache pas". Having said that being a 'one man show' has the benefits you point out but is also exposed to peril. I know you know this but getting back up help will go a long way to maintaining & realizing this group of sites you offer. I for one support you, and will continue to as long as the 'nay sayers' behave themselves.Thanks & and I wish you healthy times ahead.B

Thanks Skye, I use this website often because it provides such an incredible amount of information about MGB's. I am still learning even though I have owned and maintained MGB's since 1967. Along with the Hayne's manual and Astley's electrical book, this is the best source on MGB's available.

Thanks Skye for all you do for the MG community (and others I hear). I use this website more than just about any other so after some gentle reminders from other members thought it was high time to become a supporting member. Robert

Thanks for the support, everyone! George: There never has been an MGExp app, but if you load mgexp.com in Mobile Safari on your phone and tap the share button (arrow out of a square) you can "Add to Home Screen" which mimics the behaviour of having a dedicated app on your phone by providing quick access.

Am concerned about the dozens of lines of Chinese style writing that preceeded this email posting. Seem to be from universities all over the world. Could this be a problem or is it something to do with the above mentioned changes?Thanks,David

Skye, Since the upgrade, every time I try to click on a link in the forums, the pre info writing when putting the courser over the "last post" blocks the link instead of putting it under or over the link and won't allow me to click on it as the information is blocking it. Any setting to rectify this? Paul

Bang up job Skye. I am just getting back to the Triumph Experience after a couple of years being absent working on multiple 'life projects'.I do not recall you mentioning the details of any vehicles that further your interest in this hobb, errr, addiction.Thanks again